To say WTF is a minimum, however one of my new Rosewood Totes developed a slight crack AFTER being shaped and treated with BLO.

QUESTION: Is there any way to tell, or otherwise determine what totes/knobs will crack after shaping? I hate to throw away $$$ after spending so much time shaping and finishing… Surely there is/are methods to prevent this, right?

If it was in wax, then it almost certainly was not dry. Usually wood is encased in wax or anchorseal while still wet. If just the ends are waxed, then there’s a better chance it’s dry, or at least drier, but you still need to let it acclimate to your shop for a few weeks to a month.

OK Don, I hate to admit or even think about it, BUT you are probably correct. It sure pisses me off though, with such a nice tote cracking (even though it is tight and minor) after all the work that went into it. GRrr…

@shampiom,Yeah I might try that. I did save some Rosewood sawdust, and besides, I picked up a couple more pieces of Rosewood from WC this weekend. I actually did one fill with TightBond III and the RW sawdust already. Sure makes you knee-jerk after all the labor of love you have put into it. Just saying…

May be off track but I seem to remember someone freezing the timber first, then thawing at workshop temp for a week, then turning it. Dont know if this helps or not but it would keep moisture content equal.